Brookhill - Charlotte, NC

Always taking a prominent place in the culture of the South, Charlotte’s history remains one laden with change, transforming from a base of early colonial agriculture to the 16th most-populated city in the country.

The 19th century saw Charlotte as the stronghold of Southern Presbyterianism, but other Christian denominations formed footholds over the decades. As a result, the still-rural city has been dubbed the “City of Churches.” However, with the establishment of Camp Green during World War I, a population burst occurred that eventually sent Charlotte soaring past the majority of other colonial cities in terms of population, wealth, and culture.

On the southern coattails of Charlotte’s success grew Brookhill, from which one can see the skyscraping skyline of the grand metropolis.

Scattered around the Brookhill area is a wide selection of unique local restaurants. Most can be found with a quick drive down South Boulevard and beside the Interstate 77 ramp. A couple of blocks from Brookhill on Camden Road lies a local favorite, the retro Pike's Old Fashioned Soda Shop. Parking might be difficult to find, but the classy jewel is worth the search. Pike's offers a wide variety of typical American foods -- juicy cheeseburgers and ice cream sodas -- all in a cozier, more colorful version of the Peach Pit from "Beverly Hills 90210." It's the perfect place for a fun first date.

For a completely foreign alternative, and a spicy one, stop at Monsoon Thai Cuisine on South Boulevard. Taste-bud pioneers can order the yum neur and kang dang, while safer ventures include steaming wonton dumplings and curry dishes. Monsoon's incredible food, pleasant staff and quick service draw Southside Park residents back again and again.

Automobiles remain a perfectly valid method of transportation in the south Charlotte area, especially the Brookhill region. Single- and double-laned streets handle the flow of traffic exceptionally well, even in the most intense of rush houra. For those without vehicles looking for a ride, be sure to call ahead for a cab. Uber services the Brookhill streets and beyond.

Highway access is another plus for the Brookhill neighborhood. Less than a mile south on Tryon Street are the northbound and southbound ramps to Interstate 77.

The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) provides public transportation to and from Brookhill. To avoid the hassle of finding parking in downtown Charlotte, one can pick up bus 16 for a 15-minute ride to the center of downtown for $4.40 roundtrip. If the trip is a daily commute, then one can save by purchasing a monthly unlimited pass for $88.

A strength of Brookhill is that it currently follows the nation’s trend of increasing sidewalks. Few streets in the neighborhood are without them, and those lacking are wide with minimal traffic. Although bicycles lanes remain absent, the streets are easily bike accessible.

A few scattered public parks surround Brookhill, including the adjacent neighborhood’s own self-named park, Southside Park. Beyond the basketball courts, pavilion, and playground, the expanse of green fields is perfect for kite-flying or a few sweaty hours of soccer with some friends.

Half a mile down the road from Southside Park rests the lush and well-kept Sedgefield Neighborhood Park. The land brushes the fence of the Sedgefield Middle School’s football field but remains open to the public. Thanks to the playground, short, secluded nature paths and available doggy bags, Sedgefield Park provides a fun, relaxing day outdoors for families and daydreamers.

Living in Brookhill costs an average of 5.7 percent less than the national average cost of living, based mostly on the cheaper homeowner's insurance, a rate that is 20 percent below the national average. The Brookhill rental rate falls below Charlotte's overall median but above North Carolina's median as a whole averaging $1,328 for a one bedroom apartment.

Gas in the area costs about 5 percent less than the national average. A draft of domestic beer at IceHouse South End costs $4, about what one would expect from a hospitable local bar. Staples at the Food Lion and other smaller grocers are the same price as the national average for common household purchases.

The most devoted of shoppers find a lot to like in downtown Charlotte. Searching for a shopping center before reaching the extreme center of Charlotte yields Atherton Mill, a charming shopping plaza with major retailers, including Anthropologie. This plaza also hosts the Atherton Market which features locally-sourced groceries and products six days a week.

Shop an afternoon away at upscale consignment store JT Posh, where you can find designer duds and accessories at lower-than-retail prices. This beautifully organized and easy-to-navigate store features frequent special discounts and a generous sales rack to help you get the most bang for your buck.

Residents get groceries at Tyson Groceries, located close to Southside Park. Just across the street lies Southside Fish and Grocery, a smaller market that provides fresh fish and produce to the area.